Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder; the term, however, is commonly used to mean bladder infection.

Causes

Cystitis is usually caused by bacteria that have invaded the urethra and entered the bladder. Women are more susceptible than men because their urethras are shorter (approximately one and a half inches long, compared with about eight inches in men), thus presenting less distance for the bacteria to travel. Also, in women, the anus and the external openings of the urethra and the vagina are so close together that bacteria can easily migrate from one to another. The bacteria that are almost always responsible for cystitis are types that normally live harmlessly in the human intestine.

Obstruction is also a common cause of urinary tract infection. When obstruction occurs, the bladder may not empty properly. The urine remaining in the bladder can then create a breeding ground for bacteria to multiply. Causes of obstruction include tumors, kidney stones, and an enlarged prostate gland.

The urethral lining may have a defect that allows bacteria to enter the urinary tract. For example, frequent intercourse may traumatize the urethra, disrupting its lining and making it more susceptible to infection.

Cystitis in men is uncommon. When it does occur, the usual cause is an infection that has spread from an inflamed prostate gland or that has developed in the bladder because of an enlarged prostate.

Urethritis, an infection or inflammation of the urethra, often sets the stage for the development of cystitis. Urethritis occurs in both men and women and is usually acquired through sexual intercourse with an infected individual. Gonorrheal and nongonococcal urethritis are the two most common types.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cystitis include a painful sensation or burning on urination, a frequent and often urgent need to urinate (sometimes causing awakening during the night), and occasionally, low-back pain. These symptoms, along with bloody urine, indicate hemorrhagic cystitis, which is relatively common in women. Although quite frightening, this is most often a minor and easily treatable condition. However, repeated episodes or persistent bleeding, whether it's visible or microscopic, requires further investigation. In men, however, bloody urine is not usually attributable to hemorrhagic cystitis and demands immediate investigation.

With the exception of visibly bloody urine, all of the symptoms mentioned can be present in urethritis, which is also commonly accompanied by a discharge. High fever, chills, and back pain (usually one-sided), with or without any other symptoms, usually indicate pyelonephritis (kidney infection), which demands immediate attention of a doctor.

Now let's consider diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cystitis. It's in the next section.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.